Purcell Marian landed outside the Division V, Region 20 playoff bubble when the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) released its Week 6 football computer ratings Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Four regular-season weeks remain before the postseason begins Oct. 30. The top 12 teams in each region qualify for the playoffs, and the top four earn a first-round bye.
The Cincinnati Enquirer's James Weber reported that Purcell Marian, along with Madeira and Mariemont, sits outside the top 12 and will "need some big wins down the stretch" to qualify.
Purcell Marian won 8-7 over Rock Hill in Week 6 after falling to New Richmond 28-14 in Week 5. Hezekiah Powell led the Cavaliers in tackles in the Rock Hill victory, according to the Enquirer's athlete-of-the-week roundup.
Summit Country Day surges into top four
Summit Country Day jumped from seventh in the Week 5 ratings to the top four in Division V, Region 20 after beating St. Bernard-Elmwood Place in Week 6. The Silver Knights improved to 4-1 on the season.
Head coach Mark Hafner, now in his fourth season leading Summit, has built the Silver Knights around a roster of playmakers. Senior quarterback Colt Fry threw for 154 yards and three touchdowns in a 47-7 Week 5 rout of Miami Valley Christian Academy. Hafner told WCPO on Sept. 19 that sophomore Korde Williams is "like another coach on the field."
A major test arrives Friday, Oct. 2, when undefeated North College Hill visits Summit Country Day. North College Hill has outscored opponents 257-0 through five games.
Withrow, Gamble round out area picture
Withrow University High School sits 17th in Division II, Region 8 with a 3-3 record, according to the OHSAA's official ratings. The Tigers would need a significant climb to crack the top 12.
Gamble Montessori holds seventh in Division V, Region 20 at 6-0 after a 34-6 win over Woodward in Week 6. Fenwick is also comfortably in playoff position in the same region.
The full Week 6 ratings are available on the OHSAA website. Summit Country Day hosts North College Hill on Friday.
